HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-09 Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT
AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, HELD AT THE
RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER
MARCH 9, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
I &
II.
Village President Dan DiMaria called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers and led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance. He asked for a moment of silence
after the pledge to honor the sudden passing of Park Ridge Mayor David Schmidt.
III.
Village Clerk Ed Ramos called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Shel Marcus,
John Pietron, John Thill, Maria Toth, and Janine Witko.
IV.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regarding the Minutes of the February 23, 2015 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Toth
moved, seconded by Trustee Marcus, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
V.
1.
a.
b.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Presentation of Plan Commission Case PC 14-19, Requesting Approval of a Special Use
Permit for a Medical/Dental Office Located at the Address Commonly Known as
5826 Dempster Street.
Community and Economic Development Director Nancy Razdevich presented this case to the
Board.
She explained that the Applicant, Dr. Sam Park, owner of Children’s Dental World, is seeking a
special use permit for “Medical/Dental Office” to relocate his existing office at 6046 Dempster
to 5826 Dempster in the C1 General Commercial zoning district. The C1 zoning district
requires a special use permit for all “Medical/Dental Office” operations. Ms. Razdevich said
the new location would allow Dr. Park to expand his operation and increase his number of
dental chairs from three to six. His office hours would remain consistent with what they are
currently, and there would be a maximum of five staff members present during office hours.
Ms. Razdevich said that Dr. Park’s traffic study determined that nine parking spaces would be
required for this use, although, according to the Village’s requirements, that number should be
11. The new location has three on-site parking spaces, leaving a six- to nine-space deficit. One
of the three on-site spaces will be converted to be ADA compliant, reducing the number of on-
site parking spaces to two. However, there are three existing public spaces along the west side
of Mansfield Avenue, immediately adjacent to the building, and nine angled spaces on the east
side of Mansfield Avenue. Additionally, there is a 22-space public parking lot directly across the
street from this property.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
2
V.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
Dr. Park’s traffic study notes that there are typically 3 or 4 unused spaces of the 12 public
parking spaces on Mansfield Avenue, and 5-8 unused spaces typically available in the public
parking lot across the street. Dr. Park has stated that he will encourage his staff to use the
public parking lot and/or the public parking spaces along Mansfield Avenue. There are
additional public parking spaces down the block on Marmora.
Ms. Razdevich said that there was no public comment on this case at the Plan Commission
hearing, and the Commission unanimously recommended approval of this request.
Trustee Thill had some questions about the parking, and Ms. Razdevich acknowledged that
parking at this location will be somewhat of a balancing act. It’s a 2,700 square foot building
with only three parking spaces onsite. She said that, in this case, staff worked with the
applicant and traffic consultants to develop the parking management plan presented. She
said that this site is challenged due to the building’s size and lack of onsite spaces, but
because of Dr. Park’s hours of operation, she felt that the parking would be manageable.
Ms. Razdevich noted that the vacancy rate on Dempster Street has significantly decreased,
but the Village and businesses are still wrestling with the parking challenges. Trustee Thill said
he thought it would take less time to walk a block than to cross Dempster Street.
Trustee Marcus said this is an ongoing problem and the Board needs to look closely at the
types of businesses on Dempster in order to meet parking standards. This is something that
should be reviewed in the future, as “parking” or the lack of it limits the availability and
opportunity to get the kinds of businesses the Village wants. He felt the Board needed to
address the issue realistically.
VI.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
VII.
RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
NONE
VIII.
1.
2.
a.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Mayor DiMaria proclaimed March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as “Lights Out America—
Earth Hour” and encouraged all residents to participate by turning off non-essential lights
for that hour. Doing so could save as much as 15% of the energy consumed on an average
Saturday night and proves that each of us can make a positive impact on carbon dioxide
emissions and the world’s climate.
Mayoral Report
Mayor DiMaria asked Village Administrator Horne for an update on the bond sale. Mr. Horne
said he was pleased to report that market conditions were good, and the Village saved
$406,000 by refunding the 2007 bonds. Mr. Horne will provide the Board with a full report at
the next meeting or the first Board meeting of April.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
3
VIII.
2.
b.
c.
d.
f.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT (continued)
Mayoral Report (continued)
Mayor DiMaria said that he was very concerned about Moody’s decision to lower the Village’s
bond rating and had asked staff to put together a long-term plan to address the factors that
contributed to their decision to lower the rating. He said he understands that this is part of the
ebb and flow of business, but felt the Village needs to address the factors that contributed to
the downgrading.
Mayor DiMaria said he has also asked staff to put together a Capital Improvement Plan to be
incorporated into the 2016 Budgeting process. This will allow the Village to better prioritize its
capital expenditures and assist the Village in improving its infrastructure, enabling Morton
Grove to become a high-quality destination for new businesses. He added that one of the
factors Moody’s based their decision on is the Village’s EAV; he felt that, with the new Audi
dealership and the proposed redevelopment project at Dempster and Waukegan, the Village is
definitely taking steps toward improving its EAV. He thanked Mr. Horne for doing a great job
on locking in the price for the bond sale and helping the Village save some money.
Mayor DiMaria said he was proud of Police Chief Mike Simo and his staff. They are working
hard to change the image of the Police Department. One of the ways that’s being done is by
the creation of the new Police Academy, which begins on March 30. Another is by having
community outreach officers. Yet another initiative to help break down barriers between the
police and the citizenry is a new program called “Coffee With a Cop”. The first one will be
held on Wednesday, March 18, at 9:30 a.m. at the Starbucks in Prairie View Plaza. This is a
popular event across the country, supported by the US Department of Justice, in an effort to
leave people with a positive impression of police officers.
Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who attended the Morton Grove Foundation’s “Taste” last
week. He said it was a great event marked by good fellowship and excellent vendors, a perfect
example of the spirit of togetherness and community which is a hallmark of Morton Grove.
IX.
CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ramos announced that, pursuant to Section 1.7.6 of the Municipal Code, he has named
Mazhar Khan as a Deputy Clerk of the Village of Morton Grove.
X.
A.
a.
STAFF REPORTS
Village Administrator:
Village Administrator Ryan Horne stated that Tim Grogan from Heartland Real Estate and
Barb Adams from Holland and Knight were present to answer any questions the Board
might have regarding Resolution 15-16. He then asked Ms. Razdevich to go over the details
of Resolution 15-16 with the Board.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
4
X.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
Ms. Razdevich said that Resolution 15-16 will approve a term sheet and authorize the drafting
of an economic incentive and tax increment allocation financing redevelopment agreement
(RDA) by and between the Village of Morton Grove and Heartland Real Estate Partners LLC
for the redevelopment of the property located at 8700 Waukegan Road.
The Village designated and approved the Dempster/Waukegan TIF District in 2012. Heartland
Real Estate Partners approached the Village approximately 16 months ago and began
discussions about the potential redevelopment of the 8700 Waukegan Road property, located
within the Dempster/Waukegan TIF District. The property is approximately 3.54 acres and
is the current site of an obsolete 1 and 2 story building that has significant vacancies and
structural issues. The developer has proposed building a multi-story residential building with
172 new rental units and two separate commercial buildings which will have 16,000 square feet
of retail space. The development will have new underground utilities and a detention
system compliant with MWRD standards. The developer and Village staff believe the new
development will improve the area and be a catalyst for new additional redevelopment.
In June of 2014, the Village Board authorized staff to negotiate a financial incentive agreement
with the developer. Over the past several months, staff, along with Kane McKenna and Holland
and Knight (the Village’s TIF consultants and legal counsel, respectively) negotiated the terms
of the deal, which will provide $6.9 million in financial assistance, depending on the developer
meeting performance-based benchmarks:
Upon completion of the project, the developer will receive $600,000. The residential
building will need to be 25% occupied and the two free-standing buildings will need to
be shelled out.
The developer can earn up to $4.7 million in TIF monies paid through incremental
property taxes generated by their investment in the redevelopment of the site. This
will ensure the new development is built and maintained to the highest standards.
The developer can earn up to $600,000 in TIF monies paid through a 50/50 split
between the Village and the developer on any supplemental incremental property
tax revenue generated by the development.
The developer can earn up to $1 million in sales tax revenue paid out through 50% of
the Village’s portion of State sales tax revenues and the Village’s home rule tax, and
through Business District tax revenue for qualifying project expenses.
Ms. Razdevich said the new development is projected to generate over $900,000 annually in
new real estate taxes, create 150 jobs during construction and approximately 20 permanent
jobs post-construction, and will also provide new sales tax revenues. The project also provides
for new underground utilities and an underground MWRD-compliant detention system. It will
replace an obsolete structure, improve the existing streetscape along the Waukegan Road
commercial corridor, and will be a catalyst for additional redevelopment with the Dempster-
Waukegan commercial area.
Ms. Razdevich said that, if the Board approves this resolution, the next steps would be for the
developer to refine the site plans and then begin going through the Village’s procedural control
process—having the plans reviewed in public hearings of the Appearance Commission, the
Traffic Safety Commission, and the Plan Commission. The Planned Unit Development would
then come back to the Village Board for final approval.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
5
X.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
Mayor DiMaria thanked Ms. Razdevich for her presentation, and for taking the time to meet
with each Board member to help them fully understand the term sheet and the redevelopment
agreement.
Trustee Thill said, in his opinion, the most important aspect of the term sheet is the word
“earn”. He thanked Ms. Razdevich for her very well done presentation. He noted that the
Woodlands redevelopment project had ended up turning into a “political football” and said he
hoped that wouldn’t happen with this redevelopment project. Ms. Razdevich said the Village
has learned from the past, which is one of the reasons why the financial incentives are
performance-based.
Trustee Marcus said he was glad there will be several points along the way for community
input, and said it’s important to have that transparency. This development is in the best interest
of moving forward. He encouraged the public to use the public hearing opportunities to provide
their input on this important new project.
Mayor DiMaria offered kudos to the Village staff and stated that this is the result of clearly
stating the direction the Village wants to go in.
Tim Grogan of Heartland Real Estate thanked staff for what has been a long process thus
far. He said the term sheet is basically 100% “earn” but he can live with that. He pointed
out that Heartland will spend approximately $500,000 to get plans developed (engineering,
environmental, etc.). He had one concern—one that’s also been mentioned by residents, and
that has to do with a property between Heartland’s and these residents. They actually own it,
but an easement was granted in the 70’s for ingress and egress. These residents have cited
having issues with the current use, with delivery trucks coming and going, etc. The Heartland
development plan will eliminate a lot of parking in that area, and the entrance will be moved
further north, so loading docks will be relocated, which will be helpful. Mr. Grogan said he felt
it would improve the current situation. Mr. Grogan said there will also possibly be shared
maintenance with these neighbors.
For this project, another 4 to 6 months will be spent on design work, but Mr. Grogan said
they will work as efficiently as possible. He would like to get the ground broken for this project
before winter.
The two free-standing buildings will be mixed-use, with retail below and rental above. He said
he was quite confident of the market research and analysis that had been done, adding that
he doesn’t start projects destined to fail. Mr. Grogan said that 25 or 30 permanent jobs will be
created by this project and approximately 200 new residents will be living here. This is an
investment that will trigger more investment. The EAV is projected to be $7.2 million over
what currently exists, and Mr. Grogan said he’s confident of those numbers.
Mr. Grogan said he has a good reputation and will build in some protections in the final
agreement, in case the building isn’t being maintained properly. He said the risk is on his
shoulders. He wants to come back with a plan he’s proud of and one that the Village will also
be proud of. He said he would begin right away, and will work closely with Village staff, noting
that he values this relationship.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
6
X.
o.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Grear said he appreciated Ms. Razdevich’s report. He felt that the area of this new
development is an entryway into the Village and he was excited at the prospect of having this
new development at one of the Village’s entrances. He complimented Mr. Grogan’s team,
Village staff, special counsel, and Corporation Counsel Liston on all their hard work on this
project thus far. He said this has been discussed for quite a while, and it will be important to
make sure that residents realize that these are luxury apartments. Trustee Grear said this
project is a game-changer and will help jump-start development in this area.
B.
Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
XI.
A.
TRUSTEES’ REPORTS
Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear had no formal report, but announced that the Chamber of Commerce would be
holding a “Business After Hours” from 5pm to 7pm at the Civic Center on March 18, followed
by an Expo/Prom Night featuring party vendors ranging from florists to photographers to hair
stylists and cosmetics people. He encouraged everyone to attend.
B.
Trustee Marcus:
Trustee Marcus had no report.
C.
Trustee Pietron:
Trustee Pietron presented Resolution 15-16, Approving a Term Sheet and Authorizing
Drafting of an Economic Incentive and Tax Increment Allocation Financing
Redevelopment Agreement (RDA) By and Between the Village of Morton Grove, Illinois
and Heartland Real Estate Partners LLC.
He said this is a win-win for the economic development of the Village, and moved to approve
Resolution 15-16. Trustee Grear seconded the motion.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
Mayor DiMaria congratulated the Board on getting this done, and told Mr. Grogan that the
Village will do everything as efficiently as possible so as to hasten the ground-breaking.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
7
XI.
D.
1.
2.
3.
TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had several Resolutions:
First, he presented Resolution 15-17, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract With
Schroeder & Schroeder, Inc. for the 2015 Concrete Replacement Program.
He explained that the Concrete Replacement Program addresses concrete features disturbed
by utility repairs, deteriorated sections of sidewalk, and requests coming through the 50/50
Sidewalk Replacement Program. This contract was bid through a public process. Fifteen
companies received the bid package and four bids were received by the Village. Schroeder &
Schroeder was the low bidder in the amount of $96,153, which is nearly $28,000 less than the
Engineer’s estimate of cost. Since this is a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be
based on the actual quantity of work performed.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 15-17, seconded by Trustee Toth.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 15-18, Authorizing the Acceptance of a Material
Proposal From Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. For The 2015 Material Purchasing
Program—Concrete.
Trustee Thill explained that the Village has an annual program to purchase construction
materials such as asphalt and concrete to be used to maintain Village rights-of way and
property. The program is dependent on funding appropriations from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.
This contract was bid through a public process and the low bidder was determined to be
Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. The estimated contract value is $82,680, but since this is a
unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work
performed.
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to approve Resolution 15-18.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
Trustee Thill then brought forward Resolution 15-19, Authorizing the Execution of a
Contract Renewal With Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. For the 2015 Pavement
Marking Program.
He explained that four communities, including Morton Grove, have formed a Cooperative
Procurement program, administered at no cost to Morton Grove by the City of Highland Park,
to provide pavement marking services for a four-year term (one-year and renewal for no more
than three consecutive one-year terms) beginning in 2012.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
8
XI.
D.
4.
5.
TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Thill: (continued)
The larger quantities included in a cooperative purchase reduces the cost for each municipali-
ty. Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. performed the work satisfactorily in 2012, 2013, and
2014 and is available to complete
this work.
The estimated contract value is $30,000, but since this is a unit price contract, the final
contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work performed.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 15-19, seconded by Trustee Grear.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
Trustee Thill next presented Resolution 15-20, Authorizing the Acceptance of a Material
Proposal From Arrow Road Construction Company For the 2015 Material Purchasing
Program—Asphalt.
Village has an annual program to purchase construction materials such as asphalt and
concrete to be used to maintain Village rights-of way and property. The program is dependent
on funding appropriations from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.
This contract was bid through a public process and the low bidder was determined to be Arrow
Road Construction Company. The estimated contract value is $86,280, but since this is a unit
price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work performed.
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Marcus, to approve Resolution 15-20.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
Lastly, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 15-21, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract
With Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. For the 2015 Street Patching Program.
He explained that the annual Street Patching Program is a preventive measure (usually) for
asphalt streets in order to maintain the quality, drainage, and drivability, and to extend the life
of the streets in the Village. This work should be completed in mid-June 2015. This project was
bid through a public process. Fifteen bid packages went out and three bids were received.
The low bidder was determined to be Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc., in the amount of
$79,900. This is $20,090 less than the Engineer’s estimate of cost. Since this is a unit price
contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work performed.
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to approve Resolution 15-21.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
9
XI.
D.
TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Thill: (continued)
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
E.
1.
Trustee Toth:
Trustee Toth presented Ordinance 15-03, Authorizing the Village of Morton Grove to
Document the Termination of Special Service Area Number 1.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
Trustee Toth explained that, in 1984, the Village established Special Service Area #1 in order
to finance the construction of streets, storm sewers, water mains, and sanitary sewers in the
industrial area west of Lehigh Avenue between Oakton and Lincoln Avenue. In 1985, the
Village issued General Obligation bonds to finance these types of improvements in Special
Service Area #1. The debt service on the bonds was paid by taxes levied on property owners
in the Special Service Area. The Village refinanced those bonds during the 1993-94 fiscal year,
resulting in a lower debt service payment and property tax levy, and the debt service was paid
in full and the bonds fully retired in December 1997. The need for the Special Service Area no
longer exists, and Cook County has recently requested the Village to adopt an ordinance to
formally terminate Special Service Area #1.
Trustee Toth moved to adopt Ordinance 15-02, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
F.
Trustee Witko:
Trustee Witko introduced for a first reading Ordinance 15-04, Approving a Special Use
Permit for a Pediatric Dental Office Use to Operate at 5826 Dempster Street, Morton
Grove, Illinois 60053.
She explained that this was pursuant to Plan Commission Case 14-19, reported out in detail
earlier this evening by Community and Economic Development Director Nancy Razdevich.
As this is the first reading of this ordinance, no further action will be taken this evening.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
10
XII.
1.
2.
OTHER BUSINESS
Trustee Thill said he was pleased to announce that Morton Grove had been named a “Tree
City USA” for 2014 by the Arbor Foundation. This is because the Village meets several criteria
of the Arbor Foundation for this distinction, including a tree department, a tree care ordinance,
and a tree budget.
Trustee Thill added that, while campaigning during the recent Primary election, he attended
several resident-hosted “coffees with candidates”, and said that residents seem especially
proud of Morton Grove’s many trees and bicycle paths. He said the Village can be proud that it
has once again been designated a “Tree City USA.”
Mayor DiMaria congratulated Mazhar Khan on being appointed Deputy Village Clerk.
XIII.
WARRANTS
Trustee Toth presented the Warrant Register for this evening in the amount of $235,419.46.
She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
XIV.
RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS
Nancy Lanning said she wanted to express her thanks to all the postal workers who had to
deal with all the snow and cold this past winter.
XV.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Toth moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Minutes of March 9, 2015 Board Meeting
11
PASSED this 23rd day of March 2015
Trustee Grear __________
Trustee Marcus __________
Trustee Pietron __________
Trustee Thill __________
Trustee Toth __________
Trustee Witko __________
APPROVED by me this 23rd day of March 2015
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 24th day of March 2015.
______________________________________
Edilberto Ramos, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by: Teresa Cousar